The Denny and Sealth Jazz Bands have returned home from a very successful week at the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho. The group went over on Tuesday and returned Sunday evening. The week of jazz featured student performances as well as clinics and concert performances by a host of nationally acclaimed jazz artists including Grammy Award winners Diane Reeves and John Clayton. The Chief Sealth Jazz Band was selected as an “outstanding young performer” and had the honor of closing out the Saturday Night Young Artists Concert (see the video above).

Three students were awarded Noteworthy Performance commendations for their individual musicianship:

We also want to invite the public out to hear these groups live and to support the Denny and Sealth Music Program by joining us for our Music Night Out Event, which will be a March 27th fundraiser at The Hall at Fauntleroy. For more information on that, please visit: chiefsealthptsa.schoolauction.net/musicnightout

Signups just started for popular free classes at the Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge – the next session of the Community Chinese Corner:

Experienced Chinese teachers and student assistants lead these fun classes for all ages. Learning activities include talking about food, playing cards, and painting. Co-sponsored by the Seattle Chinese Garden and the Confucius Institute of the State of Washington. The sessions are free, but donations are welcome. Go here for more information.

The classes will be held alternate Tuesdays, March 24-June 30, 4:30-6 pm in the Chan Center at the garden, which is just north of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor). You can register online by going here. (2012 photo by Pollyanna Wang)

We’ve had big conversations in recent days (here and here) about businesses coming to the new developments in The Junction. Today, our biznote is about a new enterprise getting ready to open in an existing building just north of The Junction: West Seattle Art Nest. Its proprietor Karen Crane is hoping to be open at 4138 California SW by the first week of March.

(WS Art Nest proprietors’ kids “helping with the paint job” – photo courtesy Karen Crane)
West Seattle Art Nest will be the first drop-in art studio for children since Young at Art closed last June in Fairmount Springs (where it moved after its original location made way for the Junction 47 project), and Crane says Young at Art’s proprietor Theresa Anderson will be part of the new studio, “bringing her creativity and art expertise to WS Art Nest, as Art Facilitator Extrordinaire.” WS Art Nest will offer “drop-in-studio-style art, after-school art, specialty classes, camps, birthday parties … a paint splatter room, play area for the little ones, recycle crafting, and much more.” The website isn’t done yet but you can check this Facebook page for updates.

On Thursday, Feb. 12, South Seattle College will host a Japanese American Day of Remembrance event featuring keynote speaker Lawrence Matsuda.

A noted author, Matsuda will hold two speaking sessions in the Olympic Hall Auditorium (OLY 120) at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

This annual event commemorates the anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorizing the evacuation and incarceration of 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry living on the West Coast; most of whom were U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. The order, known as Executive Order 9066, was signed on Feb. 19, 1942. In Washington State alone, nearly 13,000 people of Japanese descent were sent to detention centers, including Seattleites who were sent to Camp Minidoka near Hunt, Idaho.

Matsuda was born in an Idaho internment camp and spent the first three years of his life there. His latest book, “Glimpses of a Forever Foreigner,” is a collection of poetry that was inspired by the experience of those 120,000.

During both sessions, Matsuda – who earned a Ph.D. in education from the University of Washington – will share personal narratives from Minidoka survivors and pilgrims, and perform excerpts from “Glimpses of a Forever Foreigner.” Additionally, signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.

This event is free and open to the community.

Olympic Hall is at the south end of the SSC campus, which is at 6000 16th SW.

(April 2013 WSB photo by Nick Adams)A Facebook post by ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery (WSB sponsor) confirms what we had just heard from a reader via e-mail: Former ArtsWest artistic director Christopher Zinovitch has died at just 43 years old. According to ArtsWest, “a short battle with cancer” took Mr. Zinovitch’s life. He left AW in summer 2013, after a year and a half as artistic director, following a decade in other roles with the organization, which remembers him today by saying that “during that time, we were blessed with an incredible body of work that he brought to our stage, his unrelenting passion for hard work and theater, and for the many lives he touched as he nurtured new artists.” Mr. Zinovitch had most recently been working as artistic director of Dakota Stage Ltd. in Bismarck, North Dakota. No memorial information yet but we’ll add it if/when we get it.

Lucky Brown and his friends play music together on a carpet in the living room. They record to a portable tape machine situated in or near a kitchen because most of this music was recorded after a shared meal. Much of this album is the record of the musicians playing or creating the song for the first time together – listening to and communicating with each other. Searching for a beautiful feeling that has not yet been invented. As his thirst for authenticity remains unquenched, Lucky Brown’s journey transcends limitations of time, space, subject or object.

“Lucky” wanted to share it “to help promote the unique arts and culture environment of West Seattle,” and included “the personnel list and where they live”:

Ollie Klomp – Drums, Percussion – Lives in West Seattle and hosted the session in his living roomBob Heinemann – Bass – Lives in West SeattleJason Gray – Bass – Lives in West SeattleMarc Hager – Rhodes – Lives in West SeattleLucky Brown – Trumpet, Producer – Currently living in Santa Fe, New MexicoThomas Deakin – Saxophone, Bell – Lived in West Seattle at the time of the recording, now living and touring in Europe.Mars – Trombone – Lives in BellinghamJabrille ‘Jimmy James’ Williams – Lives in the Rainier ValleyBen Bloom – Guitar – Lives in West Seattle

Click the title link in the embedded audio player to find out even more about “Mystery Road.”

Two weeks ago, we featured video of the West Seattle band Woodland recording a song on the Water Taxi for a contest offering an appearance on NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concerts” series. Today, another West Seattle entry:

That’s Margaux LeSourd performing “The Piper.” Her husband Tom sent the link to her video of “The Piper,” explaining it’s her entry in the “Tiny Desk Concerts” contest and also her first video! As noted on the YT page for the clip, she explains:

I love the intimacy of Tiny Desk Concerts… as a musician it is something that both terrifies and touches me. That’s why I chose this song for the submission – I feel that in light of recent and ongoing national events, I have a responsibility to say something meaningful in this small, vulnerable space where people are truly listening.

The trajectory of today’s coverage kept us from our usual preview of various events, so as we arrive at mid-afternoon, here are two more to mention, both happening in The Junction:

BENEFIT FOR JASMIN: In November and December, we mentioned benefits for Jasmin Egan, who grew up in West Seattle and is fighting leukemia. Friends at Brunette Mix (longtime WSB sponsor) in The Junction are organizing another benefit tonight, 5-8 pm, just around the corner at Lika Love Fashion Boutique (4447 California SW) – a sip-and-shop event, with a percentage of tonight’s sales proceeds going to help Jasmin and her family with mounting medical bills. You can even stop in while on your way to …

OPENING NIGHT FOR ’4000 MILES’: Be among the first to see the new production at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), the Northwest premiere of “4000 Miles“:

(ArtsWest photo by Michael Brunk; cast, L-R, Adria LaMorticella, Adam Standley, Susan Corzatte, Sara Porkalob)Amy Herzog was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for writing “4000 Miles,” a dramatic comedy telling the story of a 91-year-old grandmother and her 21-year-old grandson, and who really needs who and why. ArtsWest’s artistic director Mathew Wright directs. Curtain time tonight is 7:30 pm; tickets are available online here. “4000 Miles” will run through February 15th.

(Denny IMS Senior Band)
Thanks to Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark for sharing photos from last night’s concert by bands from his school and Chief Sealth International High School next door:

Congratulations to all of the Denny and Sealth band and jazz band musicians on an outstanding concert last night! Thank you to our terrific teachers, Mr. Pimpleton and Ms. Chutich, for all of their amazing efforts with our scholars. Thank you also to the Denny Sealth Performing Arts volunteers and to all of our families for supporting great music in our pathway! Go Dolphins and Seahawks!

(Chief Sealth IHS Symphonic Band)
P.S. If your school – public or private, anywhere on the age spectrum from pre through college – has a concert/performance/other public event coming up, please let us know in advance, both so we can include it in our calendar, and so we can consider it in our coverage plans – thanks! editor@westseattleblog.com any time …

This Wednesday (January 21st), you’re invited to the next edition of the WordsWest Literary Series at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), and with two days to go, there’s been a last-minute change in readers – Jennie Shortridge(above right) will now join Frances McCue(above left). Here’s the updated announcement from the WordsWest curators:

From fad diets to online dating to world peace — this is the exhaustingly inexhaustible material of New Year’s Resolutions. Join us for the perspectives of two amazing local authors as they take a new look at the old tradition of making and breaking our resolve. For the January 21, 2015, edition of WordsWest Literary Series, best-selling novelist Jennie Shortridge and award-winning poet Frances McCue will read their work which invites all of us to explore our ideas, hopes and intentions for the coming year.

This month WordsWest is thankful for support from Poets & Writers.

Frances McCue is a poet, essayist, reviewer and arts instigator. From 1996-2006, she was the founding director of Richard Hugo House in Seattle. Her poetry collection The Bled won the 2011 Washington State Book Award. McCue’s other work includes the essay collection The Car That Brought You Here Still Runs (runner-up for the Washington State Book Award), poetry collection The Stenographer’s Breakfast, and prose in Mary Randlett Portraits.

Jennie Shortridge is the author of five bestselling novels, including Love Water Memory and When She Flew. Her books have been selected as American Booksellers Association’s Indie Next picks, Target Bookmarked picks, and Library Journal’s Editors’ Picks. Three have been optioned for film. An avid volunteer, Jennie is the co-founder of Seattle7Writers, a nonprofit collective of Northwest authors who raise money and awareness for literature and literacy.

Every third Wednesday, 7 pm, at C & P Coffee Company, WordsWest hosts literary events that range from readings by published local and national authors, to craft discussions and guided writing explorations for every experience level. Folks from local, independent businesses share a favorite poem as part of the Favorite Poem Project. On January 21st, Twilight Gallery and Boutique will join us.

(WSCO photo: Wind Symphony in concert, December 2014)
The West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ new Wind Symphony, just launched last fall, is open to new members – and if you’re interested, you can check it out as soon as tomorrow night’s rehearsal, says orchestra manager Mariane Hermanson:

Following the great concert which concluded the fall season, the Wind Symphony of the West Seattle Community Orchestras is jumping into spring season rehearsals.

This group of musicians, including students and adults, is combining talents to perform two concerts this spring, the first at Providence Mount St. Vincent on March 20, 7:00 PM, to which the public is invited!

Anton Coleman, director of the group, has selected a program of wind band classics for the upcoming concert, including Alfred Reed’s “A Festive Overture,” Samuel Barber’s “Commando March,” and a band transcription of the finale from Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5.

More musicians are welcome to join in the fun and camaraderie of playing in a large ensemble. Woodwind, brass, and percussion players with high school level or above skills may join in; students participate without charge. Rehearsals are at Chief Sealth International High School, Tuesday evenings, 7:00-8:30. More information at WSCOrchestras.org.

“In general, when I look back at where I was and where I wanted to be, if I knew I would be doing the things I’m doing now, I’d be so ecstatic.”

That’s how comic Adam Cozens, a West Seattle native, sums up what’s transpired in the four years since last we checked in with him. He had already been pursuing his dreams in New York for a few years when we interviewed him during holiday-season visits home in 2009 and 2010.

No, the West Seattle Water Taxi won’t be featuring live music regularly – so far as we know – but it was the venue for a mini-concert on Friday morning, as you can see and hear in the video above. First we got a note from a rider wondering about the band; while researching, we received another note that solved the mystery – Stephanie from the West Seattle-based band Woodland explained that they were “filming a video of (the band’s) song ‘Coal Train Rain’ for NPR’s ‘Tiny Desk Concert Series‘ contest. The contest draws thousands of entries from all over the country, for a chance to perform behind Bob Boilen’s desk for NPR Music in Washington, DC.” While on board the Spirit of Kingston, the band even managed a photo session:

Stephanie added that Woodland has a West Seattle gig coming up, January 26 at Locöl Barley & Vine; its full performance schedule is here.

Got patience? That’s what it takes to get an image like that, says photographer Mark Wangerin (it’s a male Anna’s Hummingbird, at Jack Block Park) – “taken from 10-12 feet away, (requiring) stealth/standing still for up to an hour.” Thanks again to Mark and other wonderful West Seattle photographers who share images, from birds to breaking news and beyond, for us to share in turn with you. Impatient to get to the weekend? Here’s how today/tonight gets the party started:

THE TRUE ROMANS @ SALTY’S: Start your weekend right after sunset, with live music at 5 pm at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), no cover/minimum (but happy-hour specials are on until 6 pm) – rock-cover band The True Romans will perform tonight. (1936 Harbor SW)

(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)
One more way to see wildlife in West Seattle – the display currently on view in the window at Twilight Gallery and Boutique in The Junction. Twilight’s Tracy Cilona called our attention to its unusual nature (so to speak), and we stopped by for photos.

Elijah Evenson is a Seattle-based sculptor who combines the aesthetics of a natural history museum with the concept of surrealism. In 2004 he studied sculpture at Gage academy of Fine Art and went on to study at the Seattle Sculpture Atelier in 2007. He currently has a studio at the Inscape building in the international district where he works in a variety of mediums both large and small.

The Survivors Exposition is a large-scale diorama in homage to the animals of the Pacific Northwest, featured in our window gallery for the month of December.

(Photo provided by Twilight)
(From the artist): “Every day that I live in the northwest, I fantasize about the way things were here one hundred thousand years ago. I have always felt a strong connection with the mountains in Washington, the beautiful balance of the very rich and peaceful environment. The animals that live here are elegant and yet apprehensive. There is special quietness that most of the animals share as they listen to the strong sound of the wind blowing through the trees and the rush of the rivers. Through these sounds, the soul of the mountain can be heard. The Coyote, the Elk, and the Falcon all have their own harmonies to sing. When I was in the redwoods, I came upon an elk’s skull that had been buried into a tree. The poor thing had its horns caught up in the branches until the tree eventually ate the carcass whole. Buried in the trunk was the memory of the elk. What survived was a monument of itself. This is my monument to the spirits of the forest.”

Twilight is on SW Alaska just west of California SW, and open until 7 pm tonight.

On Christmas Eve last year, we featured a locally shot music video by Simone Bruyere Fraser, a former professional ballet dancer whose “Nutskracker” rap was about getting some respect for those who practice that art. This holiday season, she’s back with the spoken-and-sung video above, also shot in West Seattle, “Lost at Sea,” with a theme she says is intended for the New Year’s season. She explains:

It is the new year, a time of renewal, a time of rebirth, and with that there is sometimes a letting go of the old and a bringing in of the new, or in a more metaphorical version, losing the old self and a bringing-in of the new self, and that’s what this piece is about for us.

“Lost at Sea” was shot here locally off West Seattle (in Puget Sound), and as an Alki resident I have wanted to try to capitalize on our gorgeous natural surroundings and create art with it since I moved here two years ago. I am the writer and spoken-word artist on the piece, Esy Casey was our director/dp, the original music was done by Carl Clark, and it features singing vocals by Melanie Granger. It was recorded and mixed locally at Jack Straw Productions. This is the same team that worked on our first local piece “Nutskracker,” which was released last Christmas and shot at Salty’s on Alki.

This is a more soulful piece as I wanted to try to stretch our team into new territories and express what I felt about Seattle and Alki specifically when I first moved here and how rejuvenating it was to get lost in the beauty of the ocean and find my next step in that pondering. In our next videos, I’d love be to able to get some local kids involved. I wish everyone the most blessed and wonderful new year; may you be reborn as your truest self!!

When we toured Fairmount Park Elementary School just before its reopening, we heard a lot about the spaces on its walls where students’ work could be displayed. Thanks to a parent’s tip, we found out about one big example that’s up today for one final day before the work will be shown off at a schoolwide celebration tomorrow – corn-husk dolls celebrating students’ family heritage(s). It’s something that first-grade teacher Kevin Peterson did with his students elsewhere before he joined Fairmount Park – and now, at this school, his new class was joined in the project by another first-grade class and two 1st/2nd classrooms:

Here’s how he explains it:

This project is based around a book called Molly’s Pilgrim, written by Barbara Cohen. … The first and second grade students crafted the corn husk dolls here at school several weeks ago (with the help of parent volunteers from all four classrooms. Once the wet corn husks dried, the kids delivered the doll forms home and exploring a part of our heritage and dressing the doll became a part of a family project over Thanksgiving.

Here at school, first grade writers (did) a folio featuring a labeled drawing of their doll with descriptive words, a observational writing piece, and a map of which continent/culture their doll is representing. Second graders are doing some beginning research on the countries that their dolls represent.

We will have a heritage festival on Friday 12/19. Each classroom will sample foods from around the world and then will travel to the lunchroom to see the writing folio projects and dolls of more than 100 of their school mates. They will record three dolls from each continent (excepting Antarctica) and celebrate their hard work together.

We asked if we could stop by for photos, and he arranged for us to visit toward the end of the school day on Wednesday and talk to some of his students about their work – keep in mind, these eight are just a sampling of those who created dolls:

From left, the students who spoke with us are Georgia, Sophie, Delilah, Torin, Bear, Lilly, Chloe, and Magdalena. They all spoke enthusiastically about their creations, the country or tradition represented. This is the one Torin made:

He explained that it shows Ethiopian traditions in honor of his brother and sister, who are from Ethiopia. Chloe told us hers represents Colombia – “in South America!” she added. Magdalena mentioned her continent first – “Europe!” and then the specific nation, “Holland.” Take a closer look at a few more:

Toward the right, the doll with red hair and green satin was made by Georgia, who explained that Ireland is the country that inspired her. Other nations celebrated by the creations of the students we met included Japan, Iran, and Sweden. The parent who first wrote us about the project declared it “fantastic,” and we’d have to agree – what we’ve shown you here barely scratches the surface!

The Endolyne Children’s Choir is a non-audition community choir, serving the greater West Seattle area since 2003. Our choristers will learn fundamentals of music theory and vocal training. They enjoy multiple performance opportunities throughout the year, including our spring musical.

Under the direction of Amy Bokanev, ECC provides a fun environment that promotes music appreciation and confidence through performing. All boys and girls grades K-10 who like to sing are welcome. Our Mission: Teaching the joy of singing in a community setting that fosters self-confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation of music.

Interested members are invited to observe a rehearsal at any time. Stop in on a Tuesday night. Visit our website for rehearsal times and location: endolynechoir.org

Busy news day, so we didn’t get to publish the usual daily list of calendar highlights (you don’t ever have to wait for our list, though – the calendar looks ahead days/weeks/months, 24/7). But since the expected wind isn’t here yet – still a few hours away – here are a few things you might want to check out:

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Holiday edition, 6-9 pm. Map/venue list is above; artist previews are on the official website.

DELRIDGE GROCERY BENEFIT AT SKYLARK: Starting at 7 pm, part of tonight’s beer sales at Skylark go to the Delridge Grocery project, and DG reps will be there to sign up new members – they only need a few dozen, we’re told, to hit the next milestone toward opening the store in North Delridge next year. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MULE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES: 10 am-2 pm, also part of Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB): “Take a carriage ride down California Avenue pulled by beautiful Belgian Draft Mules. A treat the whole family and friends will enjoy. Stop off at the Farmers Market for a complimentary hot apple cider.” (California/Alaska)

PATHFINDER WREATH SALES: Also in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm, the second of three Sundays (while supplies last!) for Pathfinder K-8‘s wreath fundraiser – selling their famous wreaths made by the school community from local greenery – here’s our photo from last Sunday:

NEW THIS YEAR – HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY FEST: New event in Admiral – the Holly Jolly Holiday Fest, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, noon-4 pm at The Sanctuary at Admiral:

The Admiral Neighborhood Association welcomes a visit from Santa Claus on Sunday, December 7th at the Sanctuary at Admiral!

Santa’s visit will be part of our Holly Jolly Holiday Fest, a full afternoon of holiday activities including live holiday music, a gingerbread house contest, a craft bazaar, and a food drive for the West Seattle Food Bank. A photographer will be available to take portraits with Santa for a small donation, or you can bring your own camera.

If you made a gingerbread house to enter in the contest, drop it off by 10:30 am; judging starts at 11 am. Otherwise, drop by The Sanctuary noon-4 pm! (42nd/Lander)

HOLIDAY SCENES AS THEY HAPPEN … while we’re out and about, we’re usually updating the WSB Twitter and Instagram feeds with quick pix – so check in, and share yours too, through either of those links or editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

(Also happening this morning: West Seattle Rotary Children’s Shopping Spree – full story to come!)

From pre-dawn until long past dark, this is the busiest day of the holiday season in West Seattle! From our Holiday Guide and Event Calendar, here are the many reasons why – along with non-holiday highlights for today/tonight:

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Santa photos for kids up to age 10 are part of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s 67th annual pancake breakfast, on now and continuing until 11 am at Alki Masonic Hall. $10 at the door, kids under 10 eat free. **Bring unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots!!** (40th/Edmunds – note that parking is across Edmunds or across Fauntleroy)

JEWELRY SHOW AT CLICK! 11 am-8 pm (continuing through the Junction Holiday Party), Sarah Loertscher is at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) “with studio samples, one of a kind pieces and an extended selection of her jewelry line.” (4540 California SW)

SANTA AT SMALLCLOTHES: Santa Al will be at SmallClothes, bring your own camera or get a photo for $5, 11 am-2 pm. (3215 California SW)

SANTA AT CAPERS: DIY Santa Photos at CAPERS in The Junction, with “ex-Westwood Santa.” Bring cameras/phones, kids/friends, and a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. Noon-3 pm. (4525 California SW)

COUCH FEST FILMS: Starting at 1 pm, this citywide-and-beyond not-in-theaters film festival includes three West Seattle venues. Here’s the official Seattle program, listing what’s being shown, when, and where. If you don’t have tickets already, buy the pass at your first stop. West Seattle Office Junction (WSB sponsor) is participating at 6040 California SW, where the documentary shorts will be shown (33-minute program in all) – the other two WS sites are 6017 49th Ave SW, with the “Inappropriately Awesome” shorts (32 minutes), and the “Mixed 1″ collection will be screened at 3011 SW Cycle Court.

More details here – and we have late word (along with the teapot photo shared by Leanne) that tickets ARE available! “The decorations are up, the tables are set, and the preparations are well underway. Tickets are still available for the fun, festive, fabulous Christmas Tea at St. John’s. The event also includes a silent auction, and the long awaited quilt raffle drawing. Event tickets are $20 per person, $10 for children age 12 and under.” (California/Hanford)

HOLIDAY PARTY IN THE JUNCTION … as part of Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB)! Multiple businesses participating. 4-8 pm, before, during, and after the Junction Tree Lighting, roam from store to store to celebrate: “Businesses throughout The Junction are each hosting events and parties on the same night, yet each doing something different. Think of it as a progressive party with drinks, nibbles, games and shopping. We’ll also be dressing up The Junction with candles to light the way. It will be enjoyable as a pre- or post- Tree Lighting Event activity but also a festive event on its own.” Details here.

Two months ago, we shared the call for people who might want to host Couch Fest Films screenings during this unique one-day film festival taking place in living rooms instead of theaters. This Saturday (December 6th) is the big day/night, and CFF organizers tell us they have three West Seattle hosts! Above, it’s the sneak peek at the short films that will be shown; here’s the official Seattle program, listing what’s being shown, when, and where. Your $10 pass enables you to visit as many of the venues around the city as you want to/can – buy it online here (or at the first screening site you visit Saturday).

P.S. West Seattle Office Junction (WSB sponsor) confirms their space is the one mentioned at 6040 California SW, where the documentary shorts will be shown (33-minute program in all) – the other two are 6017 49th Ave SW, with the “Inappropriately Awesome” shorts (32 minutes), and the “Mixed 1″ collection will be screened at 3011 SW Cycle Court. See the descriptions for all of the shorts here.

At the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle, this year’s Native Holiday Gift Fair looked to us to be bigger than ever. Just one hour to go today, but you also have tomorrow and Sunday to browse/shop, 10 am-4:30 pm both days. You’ll find some of the artists working at their tables, like S’Klallam/Navajo carver Jimmy Price:

Coast Salish artist Peter Boome was talking with shoppers when we passed his table:

Pamela Coello‘s creations included these gifts no Seahawks fan could resist:

Many other materials/media are represented, including wearables. You can enjoy lunch at the Longhouse too; one big table inside is set aside for dining, and the menu posted on the Longhouse door mentioned two types of soup for $2, three types of pie for $1, and the famous frybread for $3. The longhouse is at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW.

The weather may be getting colder, but our planning committee has designed a fun and family-friendly evening to bring out the warmth of the season. Doors open at 6 pm

Guests will walk in to a fall-themed scenery infusing the gathering, to celebrate and harvest the music education for our student musicians. The soiree will also include a silent and live auction, along with a 50/50 Raffle; new this year, our Wine Cellar Raffle.

Our attendees will enjoy a wide variety of scrumptious and flavorful fare such as Indian samosas with cilantro chutney, Thai chicken skewers, grilled veggie platter, pesto pasta salad, assorted local cheeses with grapes & crackers, olive oil poached shrimp cocktail platter, and much more. A dessert buffet with chocolate truffles, pies, cake, and cookies will also be offered.

Our bar will present delicious beverage concoctions like Veuve Clicquot champagne, and top liquor like Grey Goose Vodka, Makers Mark Bourbon, and local microbrew selection, just to name a few. Children are welcome to attend the event and we will supply non-alcoholic beverages.

Several WSCO musicians will showcase their love of music through small ensembles, featuring a flute ensemble and a performance led by student violinist playing fiddle tunes. After the auction, there will be an open jam session performing jazz standards. We invite all levels of musicians to bring their instruments and participate and have fun!

The West Seattle Community Orchestra continues to fill a much-needed role in the community for all ages. New this season WSCO has opened two music programs: Wind Symphony for musicians with experience of 6 years and a Student Beginning Strings Class. The goal is to provide more opportunities to explore their music abilities and become more familiar with classic repertoire.

Advance tickets are on sale now!! Adults $25/each; Students (K-12) $10/each; Seniors (65 & over) $10/each, 5 and under FREE. Purchase your ticket at www.WSCOrchestras.org. For more information about The West Seattle Community Orchestras, please email info@WSCOrchestras.org